This important Vodacom URC clash at Loftus Versfeld kicks off at 17h05, with the action broadcast live on SuperSport.

The Cell C Sharks came out on top when the two teams met in Durban last year (30-16), meaning this return leg will be viewed as a crucial step towards the log chase, with some congestion between the four South African sides and plenty of motivation for various reasons.

Grobler will start at lock in place of Ruben van Heerden, while Venter takes over from Jeandre Labuschagne on the side of the scrum. 

After big performances leading the Cell C Sharks in the Carling Currie Cup, Louw was called up to the Vodacom URC side, with captain Lukhanyo Am moving back to his regular position at outside centre in place of Jeremy Ward.

Joining Van Heerden on the bench are two Springboks in Sikhumbuzo Notshe (loose forward) and Curwin Bosch (flyhalf), both of whom returned from injury to play important roles in last week’s 35-20 victory in the Carling Currie Cup over DHL Western Province.

Cell C Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am (captain), 12 Marius Louw, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Joaquín Díaz Bonilla, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Henco Venter, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Gerbrandt Grobler, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nché. Replacements: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Khutha Mchunu, 19 Ruben van Heerden, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Curwin Bosch, 23 Werner Kok.